Watch Your Sugar Intake

Sugar is a staple in diets around the world. When used in moderation, it can boost flavors and make recipes soar. Yet, it is also something that needs to be limited in order to protect your entire health. Many studies have proven that over-indulgence in sugary type foods and drinks can wreak havoc on your weight, heart health, liver and kidney functions, as well as your oral health. The body reacts to sugar, and understanding how the mouth reacts will help you prevent cavities and tooth decay.

The mouth is a gateway into the body. All of the foods and beverages you consume enter through the mouth; thus, it should not be a surprise that your mouth is a battleground. There are millions of active bacteria inside your mouth. Many of these bacteria are helpful because their job is to break down particles that are left behind inside the mouth after eating and drinking. These bacteria congregate around particles and produce acids to help break them down. The problem that these bacteria create arises when there is an abundance of sugary foods that are consumed. Oral bacteria are most attracted to sugar particles, and when they find sugar inside the mouth they gather together in ferocious numbers. The amount of acid that these bacteria produce around particles of sugar is exponentially higher than it is around other particles. What that means is these bacteria are producing an excessive amount of acid at sights where sugars are left behind, and these acids remove minerals from tooth enamel.

Tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of the teeth. When acids remove minerals from the enamel, a hole or “cavity” is created. Cavities leave the teeth extremely vulnerable to infection and decay. Limiting the amount of sugar in your diet has a direct impact on cavity production inside your mouth. A healthy diet consists of whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy products, dry beans and legumes, and at least 8 cups of water a day.

At Montevallo Family Dentistry, we want you to have a healthy and beautiful smile for life. We encourage you to watch your sugar intake in order to protect your teeth and your overall health. We want to partner with you, so please call our practice today.

Posted on Behalf of Montevallo Family Dentistry